Maybe it's time to rethink that "man's best friend" business. Dog bites now account for one-third of all homeowner's insurance liability claims, costing roughly $310 million, according to the nonprofit Insurance Information Institute. Approximately 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs annually.

Among the institute's recommendations, issued for National Dog Bite Prevention Week this week: Have your dog spayed or neutered (studies show that dogs are three times more likely to bite if they aren't neutered). Teach your dog to act appropriately with people and other animals. Avoid disturbing a dog that is eating or sleeping. Play only nonaggressive games with your dog, such as "go fetch," and not tug-of-war. Never approach a strange dog. And always avoid eye contact with a dog that appears threatening.

 Advertiser staff and news services

A fitting tribute

O'ahu businessman Reid J.K. Richards was only 33 when he died in 1998 of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, leaving behind a wife and two young children. Because he is remembered by family and friends as a joyful and generous person, they've chosen a fitting annual tribute: A nonprofit foundation in his name holds an annual golf tournament to raise money for Napuaokamakaola, a "bereavement camp" that helps children work through the grief of losing loved ones.

This year's tournament is July 20 at Pearl Country Club, and the foundation is seeking monetary and prize donations and participants. Last year, more than 200 people signed up. Write: The Reid J.K. Richards Foundation, P.O. Box 61526, Honolulu, HI 96839.

 Esme Infante Nii, Advertiser assistant features editor

Fare in the air

Ever wonder why food on one airline can seem fabulous while the food on another tastes like  well, like airplane food? Turns out that not all airlines spend the same on eats. Here's Consumer Reports' list of how much per passenger the United States' 10 most-traveled airlines spend on airline food: Midwest Express ($10.95), American ($8), United ($7.53), Northwest ($4.82), Continental ($4.81), Delta ($4.10), TWA ($3.41), Alaska ($3.60), US Airways ($3.04), America West ($1.51), Southwest (26 cents; they serve snacks only).